LGUs urged: Replicate ordinance banning plastic use

THE City Government of Davao has urged other local government units (LGUs) across the country to replicate the city’s ordinance banning the use of non-biodegradable plastics and polystyrene foam or "styro foam."

Lawyer Joseph Dominic Felizarta, chief of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) in Thursday's I-Speak forum held at the City Hall, said the banning of the non-biodegradable plastic would be easier if it is implemented in the whole country. The ordinance took effect Thursday.

At present, Davao City is the lone LGU across the Philippines that created a localized version of the Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001.

"Dili na jud ta mag lisud sa pag implement ani nga balaod kung dili lang kita ang naga bawal sa plastic diri sa Pilipinas (It would not be that hard if we are not the only LGU that bans plastic in the whole country)," Felizarte said.

Felizarte added that despite the fact that Davao City is pioneer in drafting of a localized ordinance banning the use of plastic in the country, this does not mean they will be affected by the issues being raised against the policy.

At present, a House bill that also seeks to ban the use of plastic in the country is pending in Congress.

Across the world, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore and Taiwan are among the countries that also ban the use of plastic.

These countries have enacted local legislations to intensify their national law that prohibits plastic use.